The ion concentration in the channel region is controlled by application of a voltage to a gate electrode, so the transistor is analogous to a conventional field-effect transistor. Since crystalline silicon is not needed in their fabrication, organic electrochemical transistor are suitable for large-area and low-cost electronic applications. These transistors are especially suitable for biosensing applications, since they can work in an aqueous environment with the electrolyte in chemical communication with the environment through a permeable membrane.

Quite a few criteria must be met for safe and efficient operation of transistors in biological environments.[1] Foremost is biocompatibility, followed by mechanical match with tissue, and high speed operation at sufficient amplification of low-amplitude signals.[1] Conventional field-effect transistors made from organic semiconductors fulfill many of these criteria, but they must be encapsulated to avoid contact with body fluids to allow proper device operation and eliminate toxic discharge.[1] The encapsulation makes these devices bulky and rigid.[2]

Organic electrochemical transistor fulfill all the requirements except for speed.[2] The Columbia research team solved the speed problem by modifying the channel material to have its own mobile ions.[2] These mobile ions embedded in the channel's conductive polymer create a self-(de)doping process that eliminates the need for ion exchange from an external electrolyte.[1] This shortens the travel distance of the ions and increases the transistor speed by an order of magnitude.[2] Says Khodagholy,

"Importantly, we only used completely biocompatible material to create this device. Our secret ingredient is D-sorbitol, or sugar... Sugar molecules attract water molecules and not only help the transistor channel to stay hydrated, but also help the ions travel more easily and quickly within the channel... Our transistor's channel is made out of fully biocompatible materials and can interact with both ions and electrons, making communication with neural signals of the body more efficient."[2]

The reported response time of these transistors is 2.6 μs. As a test, the Columbia team did electroencephalography, recording humanbrain waves from the surface of the scalp with a device small enough that it fit between hair follicles to simplify placement.[2] Since these devices conformed to the scalp, chemical adhesives were not needed.[1-2] These devices would be suitable, also, for the detection of signals involved with heart, muscle, and eye movement.[2] The authors speculate that integrated circuits of these transistors could be used as implantableclosed loop devices, as for the treatment of epilepsy.[2]